ITTF Boosts Momentum in Africa Leading Up to the 2026 Dakar Championship through Development Programs

Dakar Prepares to Host Historic Youth Olympic Games, ITTF Boosts Table Tennis Development Across Africa

Dakar, Senegal, is one year away from making history as the first African city to host the Youth Olympic Games. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is intensifying its efforts to support the growth of the sport throughout Africa in anticipation of this landmark event. This Games will also be the first Youth Olympic Games held under the leadership of Kirsty Coventry, the first African to serve as President of the International Olympic Committee.

Unprecedented Growth in African Table Tennis

The approach of Dakar 2026 coincides with a period of remarkable expansion in african Table Tennis development. Throughout 2024, the continent hosted 51 distinct development initiatives spanning 37 Member Associations. These programs demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, with 57.2% male and 42.8% female participation. This positive trend has continued into 2025, with nearly 30 activities already completed across 21 Member Associations, highlighting the ITTF’s sustained commitment to regional growth.

“The Youth Olympic Games are not just a competition – they’re about shaping the next generation of athletes and creating opportunities that will resonate throughout africa long after the closing ceremony,” stated Petra Sörling, ITTF President and IOC Member. “Our work across the continent through our development programs and capacity-building initiatives is ensuring that this historic moment in Dakar will leave a lasting legacy for young athletes and the broader table tennis community.”

Senegal’s Focused Preparations

Hosting the Youth Olympic Games represents a crucial milestone for Senegal. The Senegalese Table Tennis Association has actively participated in the ITTF Participation Programme for the past three years, consistently delivering national activities and grassroots development initiatives. These efforts have laid the groundwork for this historic occasion.

Recently,the ITTF organized an intensive Youth Training Camp in Dakar,Senegal,from September 29th to October 8th. This camp, a key part of the ITTF’s strategic planning for the Youth Olympic Games, was led by Africa Participation Officer Paul Tiendrebeogo.It brought together 23 young players – 13 boys and 10 girls aged 12-15 – along with a coaching team of five male coaches, one female coach, and a team manager, for eight days of comprehensive development.

Holistic Development Approach

The training camp embodied the ITTF’s comprehensive approach to athlete and coach development in Africa. Participants engaged in two, two-hour training sessions daily, focusing on core technical skills. These included stroke connection, footwork, serve and return techniques, tactical awareness, and skill development through drills. The program combined technical work with competitive scenarios, culminating in a two-day tournament to allow players to apply their new skills under pressure.

Coaches also benefited from dedicated educational sessions covering training components, player assessment methods, and strategies for ensuring consistent player progression. This focus on coach development is vital for sustained growth after the Youth Olympic Games.

International Exposure and Training

Prior to the camp in Dakar, six Senegalese players and one coach completed an extended training program in Changsha, China, from August 3rd to September 29th, 2025. This opportunity, offered through the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Senegal’s Prime Minister’s Office and facilitated by the ITTF, provided valuable international exposure and technical development.

Looking Ahead: Continued Investment in African Table Tennis

The future looks bright for young Senegalese table tennis players, who are now preparing to compete on home soil at the Youth Olympic Games, benefiting from world-class training and the ITTF’s development network. The ITTF plans to deliver specialized training opportunities for selected African players, supported by Olympic Solidarity, as part of targeted Youth Olympic Games preparation. This initiative will provide high-performance support to promising athletes as the Games approach.

ITTF Development Impact

The Senegal training camp exemplifies the ITTF’s holistic development approach, encompassing athlete preparation, coach education, technical official certification, and grassroots initiatives. In 2024, Tunisia hosted the Level 3 coaching Course – the first time this advanced qualification returned to Africa in eight years, with 17 participants from nine Member Associations completing the program. Technical capacity has also improved, with 18 individuals achieving “Regional Competition Manager in Progress” status and a 58% success rate in International umpire examinations. Furthermore, African associations accessed 170 hours of ITTF’s online educational services.

These programs are laying a strong foundation as preparations intensify for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic milestone for African sport.

Did you Know? According to UNESCO, sport participation promotes social inclusion, health, and education, contributing to enduring development goals. The ITTF’s initiatives directly align with these objectives.

Pro Tip: Supporting youth sports programs can have a significant impact on community development and provide opportunities for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dakar 2026 youth Olympic Games and ITTF Development

• What is the significance of Dakar hosting the Youth Olympic games? It marks the first time an African city has hosted the event, representing a major milestone for the continent’s sports development.
• What is the ITTF doing to prepare African athletes for the Games? The ITTF is implementing extensive development programs, including training camps, coaching certifications, and international exposure opportunities.
• How manny athletes participated in the recent ITTF Youth Training Camp in Dakar? A total of 23 young players – 13 boys and 10 girls – participated in the camp.
• What is the ITTF’s long-term vision for table tennis in Africa? The ITTF aims to build a sustainable foundation for the sport through holistic development initiatives that encompass athlete training, coach education, and infrastructure improvements.
• How is the ITTF supporting coaching development in Africa? The ITTF offers advanced coaching courses,like the Level 3 course recently held in Tunisia,and provides online educational resources.
• What role does Olympic Solidarity play in ITTF’s African development initiatives? Olympic Solidarity provides financial and technical support for specialized training programs for African athletes preparing for the Youth Olympic Games.
• What impact do these programmes have on the future of Table Tennis? They are establishing strong foundations as preparation intensifies for the Dakar 2026 youth Olympic Games – the historic first Olympic event on African soil.

What are your thoughts on the ITTF’s investment in African table tennis? Share your comments below, and let us know how you think these initiatives will impact the sport’s growth!

What specific metrics will the ITTF use to measure the success of its investment in African table tennis leading up to the 2026 Dakar Championship?

ITTF boosts Momentum in Africa Leading Up to the 2026 Dakar Championship through Advancement programs

Expanding Table Tennis Infrastructure Across the Continent

the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is significantly increasing its investment in African table tennis, aiming to cultivate talent and build a robust foundation for success leading up to the 2026 Dakar Championship in Senegal. This strategic push involves a multi-faceted approach encompassing coaching development, equipment provision, and competitive opportunities. The goal is to elevate the overall standard of table tennis in Africa and ensure strong representation at the championship.Key initiatives include the World Table Tennis (WTT) Africa Series and targeted support for national associations.

Key ITTF Development Programs in Africa

Several programs are at the forefront of this momentum:

* ITTF Level 1 & 2 Coaching Courses: These courses, delivered by ITTF-certified instructors, are equipping African coaches with the latest pedagogical techniques and training methodologies.This directly impacts player development at the grassroots level. Recent courses have been held in Nigeria, Egypt, and Mauritius, with over 150 coaches certified in the last year.

* Equipment Donation Programs: Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many african nations, the ITTF is providing essential table tennis equipment – tables, nets, balls, and rackets – to national associations and training centers.This ensures players have access to quality resources.

* WTT Africa Series Expansion: The WTT Africa Series provides crucial competitive platforms for African players to gain international exposure and ranking points. The series has expanded in 2024 and 2025, featuring more tournaments and increased prize money.

* Development Camps & Training Centers: The ITTF is supporting the establishment and enhancement of regional table tennis training centers across Africa. These centers serve as hubs for intensive training and talent identification.

* Scholarship Programs: Offering scholarships for promising African players to train at leading academies globally, providing them with world-class coaching and facilities.

Impact on National Associations & Player Development

The ITTF’s support is having a tangible impact on national associations. Associations are reporting increased participation rates, improved coaching standards, and enhanced player performance.

* Nigeria: The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has seen a surge in youth participation following the implementation of ITTF-supported coaching programs. They are now consistently fielding competitive teams in international events.

* Egypt: Egypt, a traditional powerhouse in African table tennis, is leveraging ITTF funding to upgrade its training facilities and attract top international coaches.

* Senegal: As the host nation for the 2026 Dakar Championship, Senegal is receiving prioritized support to develop its players and infrastructure, aiming for a strong showing on home soil.

* Mauritius: The Mauritian Table Tennis Association has benefited from equipment donations and coaching courses, leading to improved results in regional competitions.

The Role of the 2026 dakar Championship

The 2026 Dakar Championship is serving as a powerful catalyst for development. It provides a clear target for African nations to strive towards, motivating investment in table tennis development and inspiring a new generation of players. The championship is expected to generate significant media coverage and public interest, further boosting the sport’s profile across the continent.

Benefits of Increased ITTF Investment

The long-term benefits of the ITTF’s increased investment in Africa are substantial:

* Increased Player Pool: More players participating in the sport, leading to greater competition and a higher overall standard.

* Improved International Performance: African players becoming more competitive on the global stage, challenging established nations.

* Sustainable Development: Building a self-sufficient table tennis ecosystem within Africa, reducing reliance on external support.

* Social Impact: Promoting physical activity, discipline, and teamwork among young people.

* Economic Growth: The championship and related events will contribute to the local economy in Dakar and Senegal.

Practical Tips for African National Associations

To maximize the impact of ITTF support,national associations should:

1. Prioritize Coach Education: Invest in sending coaches to ITTF certification courses and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
2. Establish Youth Programs: Focus on attracting young players to the sport through school programs and community initiatives.
3. Secure Funding: Explore opportunities for government funding, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising events.
4. Improve Infrastructure: upgrade training facilities and ensure access to quality equipment.
5. **Promote the